Rarely seen images from the Walt Disney Archives (25 Pics)

c. 1932Realizing the great potential that Mickey Mouse could have in the character merchandise business, Walt and Roy Disney accepted an offer from imaginative businesswoman Charlotte Clark to produce the very first Mickey Mouse plush dolls — the original set seen here cuddled up with Walt.

From 1926 to 1940, The Walt Disney Studios was located at 2719 Hyperion Avenue in Los Angeles.

1931Disney's Hyperion Studio expanded with various additions between 1929 and 1940, including new animation buildings, a sound stage and an ink and paint building. The studio's sound stage can be seen at far right.

1948Actress Helene Stanley performs for the camera during live-action reference filming for Cinderella at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

1951Walt Disney aboard his Carolwood Pacific Railroad, seen here set up at The Walt Disney Studios prior to its installation at Walt's Carolwood Drive home in Holmby Hills, California.

July 17, 1955Disneyland ushered in a new era of family entertainment for Walt Disney and the company he co-founded with his brother Roy. Here we see the park’s centerpiece, Sleeping Beauty Castle, during the opening day festivities.

September 1940With the Animation Building in the background, Walt Disney surveys the comfortable atmosphere of his new Burbank studio.

The Mad Tea Party at Disneyland is one of the most iconic Disney attractions.

1940Walt Disney poses with a custom-made Pinocchio marionette.

March 1951Walt Disney during production of Alice in Wonderland. The large camera stand being used is the multiplane camera - designed and built by the studio to add depth to animated cartoons.

1940Disney employees touch up a street sign at Walt Disney Studios.

May 1963The Skyway attraction at Disneyland

c. 1965Running from 1960 to 1977 at Disneyland, the Mine Train at Frontierland took park guests on a rail trip through caverns, deserts and wilderness areas, populated by 204 lifelike bears, beavers and woodland creatures.

October 1939Walt Disney looks out across the under-construction lot of The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

c. 1935Walt Disney beside the shadow of his most famous creation, Mickey Mouse.